Honda launches the Civic Type R sedan in Japan

Come Friday, March 30, the new Civic Type R will go on sale in Japan. Based on the current Civic 4-door, the Type R is powered by a screaming, normally aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder (K20A) that eclipses 100 hp/liter, producing around 225 ponies at 8,000 rpm and 159 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm.. A six-speed manual transmission feeds power to the front wheels -- 18-inch units shod with a set of Bridgestone Potenzas. Four-piston Brembos are visible between the spokes and provide the car's stopping power. Body rigidity is said to be 50% better than that of the previous Integra Type R (Acura RSX), and the car weighs in at 1,250 kg (2755 lbs) with no A/C installed. The creature comfort adds another 20 kg (44 lbs).

Externally, a redesigned front fascia incorporates a large lower air intake for improved breathing. The hood and front fenders are unique to the Type R, as is the rear bumper with its integrated diffuser. Red "H" emblems, sill extensions and the to-be-expected rear wing cap off the car's racy look. Type R badging adorns the rear of the car, and logo decals are available for owners who want to add them to the spot in front of the rear wheel cutout. Additionally, Modulo provides an aftermarket stripe kit and accessory driving lights, both of which you can see in the attached gallery. Viewed in profile, the Type R has an aggressive stance, with a decidedly pointed snout. It is the best-looking Civic sedan available in any market.

Inside, Type R-exclusive front seats await the driver and passenger, and the upholstery is available in either all-black or a black-and-red two-tone. An aluminum shift knob, metallic pedals, red steering wheel logo, and an Engine Start button make it clear that this is not your ordinary Civic, while options such as ambient lighting in the footwells and Honda's hard-disk navigation system allow for further personalization. Three paint colors -- Championship White, Super Platinum metallic, and Vivid Blue Pearl -- are offered, and Honda hopes to sell 400 of the cars each month at a price of 2,835,000 yen (which directly translates to around $24,000 USD for those of you who were wondering, not that it really applies to us). All we know is that we want one. Badly.

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Anonymous

Surely it could do faster if the aerodynamics (and that short wheelbase and track) were sorted. It has more horsepower than an R35 GTR and that isn't a light car! Plus I'd presume they know a thing or nine about suspension.
I hope Peugeot actually tweak it further and put it back on the 'ring.

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

#2 -Torques is not a correct word. Torque is defined as force perpendicular x lever arm, and it is the name of said thing. The units of torque are lb-ft or Newton-meters. NOT TORQUES. Science students everywhere are cringing.

I heard Jeremy Clarkson call them torques on Top Gear, and it sounds cutsey, but its improper, so lets all stop doing it. Please, this country's science education is in the toilet as is, lets not make it worse on purpose.

Anonymous

Anonymous

7 Years Ago

everyone wants a type r in america what are you stupid. make it a hatchback or coupe first hell even this four door would sell. i would sell my gsr civic hatch just to even be considering buying this type r. people dont realize the beauty of these machines. i think these cars would be great finally a honda i wouldnt want to tune. and you know when i get bored maybe add a turbo. this is a car i could rev hard and brake easy you know get from a to b everyday for who knows how many years and have fun doing it. what are all these cars people like that arent hondas. i dont get it. i mean if you got a v8 or god knows what. why even keep up with honda. i think you guys got small penises. and rwd is over rated. who drifts.. what are you a pro drifter. i dont know. get over yourselves its a great car tons of potential on the k series engine

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

I wish there were wallpapersized images too. I love the car! If it was in the U.S. for $24K, I'd totally pick up on one. My only gripes, they still haven't provided a AUTO function for the passenger seat like they do for the driver side.

159 lb-ft of torque is 20 more better than the State's Si version. Would it be the same Si K20 engine block, just retuned along with I/H/E to develop the increased HP/TQ?

#14 joe justice: Are you sure it was almost a full second faster than the 2005 NSX? That's a HUGE improvement!

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

For the people asking when this is coming to the states, rumor has it, it will be 2010. However, I believe we'll see it sooner. One Honda Stream and one 2007 Civic Type-R (Japan) have crossed over into our borders through the Boston port of delivery and are with Honda's folks in Ohio. What purpose these have in our states, I do not know (some of the commercials are filmed in California for the Japanese vehicles). Both carry an FMVSS sticker (google search importing a vehicle), which means they're technically certified for US roads without need to change very many--if any--parts to comply with Federal safety standards. To my knowledge, no parts need to be changed.

Anonymous

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

Mappy, because there are three different Civics, this is the Asia-Pacific one, completely different to the American and European one. Honda in the UK can't build enough Type-Rs as is, there's no way they can export them to the Japanese/Australian market. I wouldn't want them to either, as this is the true hardcore Type-R, not the more compromised European Type-R that has to compete with the numerous other dailu driver-friendly hot hatches.

And I don't see how this looks at all like an Integra.

I do find it kind of crazy though how a 2007 Civic can have bigger wheels than the legendary NSX-R ahah. I think the top-of-the-line Astra even gets 19s these days.